Key points

Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in Europe, accounting for approximately 20% of all cancer deaths and for the loss of 3.2 million disability-adjusted life-years annually in Europe.

More than a quarter of lung cancer cases occur among the under-60s.

Despite recent advances in surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, seven out of eight patients die within 5 years of diagnosis. However, recent advances in understanding the biology of lung cancer are resulting in promising new targeted therapies.

Smoking is by far the most important cause of lung cancer, accounting for 90% of cases in men and 80% in women. Reducing smoking and therefore eventually reducing the incidence of lung cancer requires sustained government action.